Helena McManus

A Carrickfergus woman who suffered a stroke at just 20 years of age is to complete a series of challenges to raise awareness of the condition.

Kate Gorman, 30, embarked on the first of 10 fundraising events back in February in support of the Stroke Association.

These included multiple walks, mountain climbing, and learning how to paddle-board, with each challenge designed to be more difficult than the one before it.

The campaign was organised to mark the 10 years since Kate suffered a bleed in her brain following a heart infection.

Despite undergoing heart surgery to repair the valves the infection had destroyed, she was left with serious long-term health problems as a result of the stroke. “My speech was effected and I had to learn how to walk again,” she said.

“It’s a long, drawn-out process and even now, 10 years later, I would still have some problems.

“It’s not as rare as you would think for someone to have a stroke so young, which is why I decided to raise awareness.

“Stroke can hit at any stage and at any time.”

With eight of the charity events under her belt, Kate will be taking on her final two fundraisers this month, including a swimming challenge.

“Members of Larne Swimming Club have been supporting me by swimming two million metres throughout the month of October,” she added.

“The last event I’m doing is to mark World Stroke Day on October 29; it will be a 30k cycle starting at Loughshore Park in Jordanstown.”

To make a donation towards Kate’s fundraising efforts, visit the JustGiving page here.

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